John Huff/Staff photographer
Family members listen as songs are sung in memory of loved ones who have passed during the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover's Celebration of Remembrance Sunday.

DOVER — Sunday at The Hyder Family Hospice House was a bittersweet day. Holding its annual Celebration of Bereavement, the County Farm Road center hosted more than 200 people who had had friends or loved ones at the facility.

"This gives us an opportunity to thank our patient's families for allowing us the honor of caring for their loved ones," said Donna Sabin, RN & House Manager for the HFHH.

In an hourlong program under a tent numerous people connected with the inpatient hospice center, from Sabin, to Dr Keenan Al-Hojerry, medical director who attended with his entire family, to Bill Borne, founder and CEO of Amedisys Inc., parent corporation of HFHH, addressed those in attendance.

Borne in particular struck a chord with many in attendance, who alternated between tears for their loved ones and smiles as the facility employees expanded upon their relationships with their patients.

Borne read a piece which he regularly shares with the caregivers of his company, entitled An Old Lady's Poem. It begins "what do you see nurse, what do you see when you are looking at me? a crabby old woman?" and recounts the varying ages the woman goes through from youth to old age, in effect reminding the nurses that the old woman was once all of the things mentioned in the poem. "It brings tears to many longtime experienced nurses," said Borne "and is a reminder to all of us why we are here."

The beautiful sunny day brought memories to the family of Lillian Abbott, who passed away at the facility. Her son, David, shared an experience and photograph of a day his mother requested to be brought outside and was wheeled out to enjoy the weather. His daughter, Becky, described it as a beautiful moment.

"Magical things happen here," said David as he showed photographs of clouds which could be interpreted as angels carrying souls to heaven.

"Spiritual power," he added.

Walt and Marie Kelly of Somersworth were there in remembrance of their Aunt Rita Roy who passed away almost exactly a year ago.

"I can't say enough about the Hospice people," said the Kellys. "They did a fantastic job, very caring — they made it easy for everyone."

A year ago, Kate Kelly started working for the HFHH as a caregiver and she attended the day with her husband, Steven, and 13-year-old daughter Amelia.

"I love working here," she said. "It is phenomenal what goes on here, it is so rewarding. People say to me how can you work in such a depressing situation and I respond this is the least depressing place I know. Everyone is wonderful, from the patients to the families and the staff. We are all like a small family."

County Commissioner George Maglaras was in attendance and explained his feelings about HFHH.

"In 2007, when they were looking for a location in the area, I did everything in my power to locate them here. It is a perfect spot. When I was young I went through very tough times with my father, who had a terribly debilitating disease. I only wish we would have had a facility like this in Dover at that time. They fill a wonderful and important place in society."

A brick walkway encircling a marble bench was dedicated to those who had passed away at the facility with names and notes on them such as "Always loved and forever missed;" and, "I love you Mom;" and "We miss you."

As she was speaking these words, a bystander added, "and you give love, too."

Click image to enlarge

John Huff/Staff photographer
Family members take pictures of namesake bricks in a Memorial Brick Meditation area for loved ones who have passed during the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover's Celebration of Remembrance Sunday.

Click image to enlarge

John Huff/Staff photographer
Deb Proulx, bereavement coordinator, talks to friends and family members about loved ones who have passed during the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover's Celebration of Remembrance Sunday.